Local Police Chief: Bigger Rigs Mean Bigger Risks

WASHINGTON (WWJ) – Chesterfield Township Police Chief Bruce Smith was expected on Capitol Hill this week, to argue against a bill that would increase the weight and size of big rigs on interstates.

The bill, which is currently in a House committee, would allow “triple” tractor trailers on U.S. highways. Currently trucking cabs are only allowed to pull two trailers at a time.

Smith said semis already pose enough of a danger to drivers, something that he has seen first-hand.

“I witnessed an accident back in the early 80s where a flatbed semi rear ended a van load of people and killed numerous people in that van and it was just horrendous,” Smith said.

Smith said heavier, longer rigs could be especially tough on Michigan’s already crowded and battered infrastructure which Governor Snyder has offered to fix with higher gas taxes and vehicle registration fees.